The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1887-12-01

we nave not onQoaVOreQ TO keep an
account of the number Of times we
have heard that expression used-in
the sermon, in the public lecture, in
the social circle, on the streets. Yet
startling as the declaration may seem,
we have never heard solitary person
use the expression who was entitled
to do so. We maintain that all par
ents-yea, and all people. should live
christian lives. We believe that the
great Ruler of the Universe has given
every man an opportunity of living
Alright before Him, and that He bless
es, in many ways, the efforts to obey
the Divine Commands. Yet the most
exemplary life often fails Of having a
beneficial effect upon those it most
desires to impress. Hence it is that
very many Of the sons of Ministers of
the Gospel go astray. This is an un-
fortunate fact upon which the world
seizes with great deal Of delight. and
right here is where the argument Of
the pulpit turns upon itself, and de-
feats its supposed, or at least assumed
logic. The pulpit says children go
astray because Of unchristian parents.
The world says preachers sons go
astray because of the restraint to
which they are subjected-the relaxa.
ton when away from the parental
surveillance counting for more than
the iff-backed" teaching at home.
Our own observation is that as a rule
the sons Of Ministers are no better,
to say the least, than other boys. A
very great proportion of them are
worse. This is easily accounted for.
Every boy will learn the ways of the
world, and learn them rapidly, when
brought, as he must necessarily be, in
contact with other boys. Little sins
committed by other boys without
much comment. would appear shock
ing in Minister'S child, at least to
the other children with whom be as
sociated, and thus his breaks are treat
ed with show of mock heroism, and
the notoriety he gains possesses fas-
cination which it requires the exercise
Of strong self-will to overcome. Min
listers sons are placed on trial before
the youthful world, and perhaps have
vastly more struggles and tempta-
tions than their fellows. Should their
failures be attributed to the goddess
lives of parents?
We knew young man during the
war, whose father used to preach
through this section Of country, and
his name would be familiar to many
of our readers to-day. In the play
fulness of camp life, or during the
fatigue of the march, the young man
would make laughing-stock Of his
supposed relation to the Christian re-
ligion. He was the most frightfully
profane young man we ever met, and
was such confirmed thief that many
thought him victim Of kleptomania.
Yet that young man had Minister
Of the Gospel, and an earnest, Jealous
christian worker, for father, and his
parents were praying for him while
he was cursing God. Was the re-
sponsiblity with the parents?
We are told in the Book upon
which all christian faith is founded,
that God created man, to have do
ninion over animate creation. Rea-
ION teaches US that the Creator, the
Father, desired that first man to walk
to live righteous life
It would be violent and intolerable to
suppose that God desired Adam to sin.
Yet Adam did sin, and even though
lie set up the claim that he was
has there ever been any at
empt to show that the teaching of
he Divine Father was the cause of
Adams fall? Why should any being
f ordinary intelligence set up the
lain that the parent is accountable
or all the evil wrought by a sinful
world in the life Of his son? We
now the children Of christian parents
Vho are awful examples of immorali-
Y, and we know the children of nom
Professors of christianity who are
ood children. What is the deduc-
ion? Certainly not that christian
should be abandoned, but
hat parental care In studying the dis
osition Of the child should be re-
oubled. A great deal depends upon
ne child, and the earnest prayer of a
aintly father and mother are often
rocked by the evil influences of sin
ii social atmosphere We maintain, :
that while it is the better :
ay to endeavor to build up a tho
,ugh christian character in child,
lat man, be he Minister, Lecturer, or
~ manner of moral reformer, who ]
aims that the life of man is GER {
in indication of the manner in
hich he was raised, is either blindly
i'd hopelessly ignorant, or does not !
lieve what he is saying.